Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the
relative teaching time and student effort required to
successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may
include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also
the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and
complete all assessment requirements, including any
non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake financial planning analysis and research. It encompasses evaluating a client’s current situation, identifying issues and researching requirements and parameters for extracting and analysing information, and summarising research information.

It applies to individuals who, within their level of authority, apply specialised knowledge, systematic approaches and analytical techniques to research and prepare information customised for clients and/or situations.

Work functions in the occupational areas where this unit may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the FNS Implementation Guide Companion Volume or the relevant regulator for specific guidance on requirements.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

FNSFPL502 Conduct financial planning analysis and research

Element:

1. Evaluate client’s current situation and identify issues

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Analyse integrity of information provided by client
1.2 Identify, quantify and test client objectives for viability
1.3 Establish basis for strategy development in line with confirmed objectives

Element:

4. Summarise research information

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Collate and check information on financial strategies and products against research specification
4.2 Prepare and check written performance, trend and risk analyses against research specification
4.3 Document any qualifications or issues for further research

Element:

2. Identify research requirements and parameters

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Establish aims and objectives of research including strategy, product and performance parameters against client requirements and expectations, with all issues identified
2.2 Identify and access wide range of relevant internal and external information resources required for research
2.3 Establish timeframes and prioritise requests for information to ensure milestones are met

Element:

3. Extract and analyse information according to research requirements and parameters

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Establish data extraction criteria that are relevant to intended use and client requirements
3.2 Identify trends to provide meaningful information on performance of possible strategies, products and markets
3.3 Identify taxation and other government legislation that needs to be considered in choice of financial planning strategies
3.4 Conduct risk assessment of strategies and products identified through research
3.5 Analyse financial products within appropriate timeframes to ensure currency of decision making
3.6 Prioritise information according to client requirements and expectations
3.7 Identify issues that require specialist research or advice and obtain appropriate advice

Learning Outcomes

Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.

The self-paced activities will be delivered thought various technology platforms and include your contribution to wikis and discussion threads, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions.

The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.
We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.

Teaching Schedule

Induction Session

Prior to training commencement a program level induction session will be conducted that comprises the following:

Program overview and requirements

MyRMIT/Blackboard

Overview of assessment requirements

Pre-Training Review including:

Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfers

Assessment of current skills and knowledge

Competency/Grading Criteria

Plagiarism

Appeals

Extensions

Feedback

Privacy

Submission requirements

Resubmission policy

Where to get support

Student responsibilities

The Teaching Schedule for this course is as follows but please note that it is subject to change.

The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete the course. This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

prioritise findings, validated against client requirements, and document research for financial plans.

Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, you must:

identify and describe a wide range of financial products and services

discuss the risks and implications associated with use of financial products and services

explain financial products and services and the associated benefits from a financial planning perspective

identify financial industry information sources and outline research techniques for accessing this information

compare and contrast financial planning strategies

describe the key features of:

organisational policy and procedures relating to research

relevant legislation and regulations governing trusts and companies

relevant industry code of practice requirements

describe the key features of taxation and social security systems and regulations, and their effect on specified financial products

outline the key aspects of theories of investment, portfolio management and management of investment and risk.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the financial planning field of work and include access to:

office equipment, technology, software and consumables.

You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.

Feedback

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions. You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.

You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.

Assessment Tasks

Overview of Assessment

This course is co-delivered and co-assessed with the following competencies:

COSC6185C Develop and use complex spreadsheets

FNSINC501 Conduct product research to support recommendations

FNSASICU503 Provide advice in superannuation

Critical Aspects of assessment are described above in the performance evidence of this course.

The assessments for this course have been designed to allow participants apply their learning to particular simulated work scenarios and demonstrate their competence in a variety of ways.

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Task 1 - In Class Assessment (Week 5)

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For this Assessment Task you are required to demonstrate your knowledge by completing a closed book in class assessment comprised of a series of multiple choice questions on Superannuation Parts 1 to 6

The assessment comprises 25 multiple-choice theory style questions. The purpose of this task is to assess your understanding of the concepts and issues included in the topics from weeks 2 to 4. The duration of the assessment is one hour. This assessment will take place during your normal scheduled class time.

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Task 2 – Project (Due Date: Week 15) <o:p></o:p>

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The assessment will be in the form of a written presentation. <o:p></o:p>

The purpose of the assessment is to enable you to demonstrate a breadth of understanding across all of the course material at an independent level. It assesses the knowledge you have obtained through undertaking the topic, your communication skills in presenting that knowledge and your problem-solving skills in answering the questions posed. <o:p></o:p>

The assessment will be available on Blackboard in Week 3 and your teacher will provide you with guidance. You will have the opportunity to seek advice from your teacher on a number of check points throughout the semester. <o:p></o:p>

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TASK 3 - In Class Assessment (Week 12)<o:p></o:p>

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For this Assessment Task you are required to demonstrate your knowledge by completing a closed book in class assessment comprised of a series of theoretical and practical questions including short answer and a mini case study. The purpose of this task is to assess your understanding of the concepts and issues included in the topics from weeks 2 to 11. This assessment will take place during your normal scheduled class time.

You must successfully complete all assessment tasks to achieve competency.

Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Submission Requirements

You should:

• Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date.
• Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
• When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use a cover sheet that includes a declaration and statement of authorship. You must complete, sign and submit a cover sheet with all work you submit for assessment, whether individual or group work. On the cover sheet you declare that the work you are presenting for assessment is your own work. An assignment cover sheet for submission of each assessment task is available on blackboard.
• Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. For example, Callie Harvey, 324567, Task 2, OHS2345C Ensure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.

Late Submission Procedures

You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates.

If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time, by circumstances outside your control, you may apply in advance to your teacher for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days. <check links are still current>

More Information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension

Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf

Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration. Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than two working days after the assessment task deadline or scheduled examination. <check links are still current>

More Information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=g43abm17hc9w

Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/8a5dgcaqvaes1.pdf

Resubmissions (VET Programs):

If you are found to be unsuccessful in a Course Assessment Task you will be allowed one resubmission only. Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission. The highest grade you will receive if your resubmission is successful is “CAG”.

If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.

Adjustments to Assessment

In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following website: <check link is still current>
More Information: http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=7usdbki1fjf31

Marking Guide (Competency):

You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.

You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.

Marking Guide (Grading)

After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit and you will achieve one of the following grades: